S. Shawn Gholami, MD

Vasectomy is one of the most simple, safe, and effective methods of birth control. Over 500,000 vasectomies are performed each year in the United States. Vasectomy is a minor office procedure during which the small tubes carrying sperm from the testicles (vas deferens) are divided on each side of the scrotum. In order to decrease the risk that the tubes will re-connect, a small segment of the vas is usually removed and the ends are cauterized. Cutting these tubes does not affect the strength of erections, sexual desire, the size of the testicles, or a noticeable change in semen volume. The procedure takes roughly 10-20 minutes to perform and is done through a very small skin opening (2-3 mm) that is virtually invisible after it heals.

Vasectomy should be considered permanent and not a means of temporary birth control. However, vasectomy reversal is successful in up to 75% of men if undertaken in the first 10 years after the procedure is performed.